The effects of a community-based group falls prevention exercise program on older females

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults are likely to fall twice per year due to detriments in strength, balance and range of movement resulting in serious injury, loss of confidence and sometimes death. Exercise targeting these areas is beneficial for sedentary older people, however cost and adherence can be an issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a free, progressive exercise program on the health and functional fitness of elderly women. Methods: Community dwelling older females (10 exercisers, 11 controls) provided informed consent as per institutionalized ethics and participated in a 12-week falls prevention program. The exercise intervention was conducted three times per week and focused on balance, coordination, strength and flexibility in a circuit and aerobic style combination to music. Health and functional fitness levels were measured using the Senior Fitness Test pre and post-intervention and expressed as percentage change. Differences between the exercise and control groups were distinguished using independent samples t-tests (p<0.05).

Results: The exercise group attended 85+/-12% of exercise sessions. The exercise and control groups demonstrated -7 to 14% and -2 to 10% improvements in health measures, and 13 to 223% and 1 to 84% improvements in functional fitness measures, respectively. The exercise group demonstrated significantly greater improvement than controls for stork stand eyes open (p=0.04) and chair stand tests (p=0.02).

Conclusion: Attendance at the free exercise program was high and resulted in health and fitness improvements. A free assessment elicited positive changes in the control group, the mechanisms behind this warrants investigation.